IRS faces turmoil, 45,000 layoffs amid DOGE takeover
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is experiencing significant upheaval as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) takes control. Nearly 45,000 IRS employees are set to be laid off, raising concerns about taxpayer data security and service disruptions. DOGE, created in January 2025, aims to cut federal spending by targeting inefficiencies in government agencies. The IRS has been a major focus, leading to mass layoffs and a controversial leadership change, including the demotion of the IRS's chief counsel. Legal experts warn that DOGE's push for access to sensitive taxpayer data could compromise privacy. Employees and taxpayers are anxious about the impact of these changes on customer service and refund processing during the busy tax season.